The lawmaker who led the impeachment against Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced he will not be seeking re-election.
State Rep. Andrew Murr (R–Junction) was first elected to the Texas House in 2014 representing House District 53. The district includes the counties of Bandera, Crane, Crockett, Edwards, Kerr, Kimble, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Medina, Menard, Pecos, Real, Schleicher, Sutton, and Upton.
This session Murr chaired the House General Investigating Committee, which brought the impeachment charges against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Paxton was later acquitted by the Texas Senate.
Murr’s record led him to be censured by two county parties in his district for his role in the rushed impeachment process, as well as for his vote for House Speaker Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont), who appointed Democrats to key committee chairmanships in the Texas House.
They also highlighted his votes against school choice and for state interference in the political party process.
On Monday, Murr said he would leave the legislature following the conclusion of his current term.
“By the end of my term, I will have spent a decade of my life diligently and thoughtfully representing every person in my district, including those who cannot vote or did not vote for me, and I humbly thank all of you for allowing me to serve,” said Murr. “The saddle is ready for the next person to ride point for us in Austin.”
Murr had already gained a primary challenge from Wes Virdell, who was endorsed by Attorney General Ken Paxton.
“Since I declared my candidacy, I have been overwhelmed and humbled with the outpouring of support for my campaign,” said Virdell. “I wish Mr Murr well on his future endeavors. Today marks a major change, and I am looking forward to earning the support of the people of our district, so that I can be their voice in the Texas Capitol, and bring new conservative leadership to HD53.”
